Category Archives: Religion

Folklore, Movies, Personal/Site Updates, Religion, Theatre

Interview: Monstrous Wives, Murderous Lovers & Dead Wet Girls (Japan Station, JapanKyo.Com)

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Had a fun talk with Antonio (Tony) Vega discussing onryō (怨霊; “vengeful/wrathful ghost”) in the context of Japanese religion/folklore, theatre, as well as contemporary J-horror cinema. Feel free to give it a listen!

Tony’s podcast Japan Station is focused on discovering Japan through conversations with a guest featured on each episode. His podcast covers all aspects of Japan, including the Japanese language, history, Japanese pop culture, food, anime, manga, movies, music, comedy, the impact of Japanese culture around the world, underground social movements, social issues in Japan, and much more.

Culture, History, Papers, Religion, Writings

PAPER: Through the Eyes of the Fox

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Written in May 2009  I wrote this paper based on my research on Shinto (sp. Inari) and East Asian folklore regarding the fox. I was fascinated by Fushimi Inari Taisha, and I was familiar with the kitsune as well as Shinto, so I started researching Inari and fox lore in more detail.

Through the Eyes of the Fox: Japan’s Connections with Korea through Inari Worship and the Plausible Influence on Shinto Religion

As the sunlight fades and dusk creeps in, an air of eerie tranquility settles on the shrine complex.  Passing underneath thousands of vermillion torii gates, it seems like a tunnel leading to another world. And everywhere one looks there is the expectation for a slender, lithe vulpine creature with a luxurious tail to suddenly appear and lope through the trees. Such is the atmosphere at Fushimi Inari Taisha, the head shrine of Inari, one of Shinto’s most diverse and popular kami. One of the most unique aspects of Inari worship that is often overlooked is its strong connections to the Korean peninsula, which are most distinctly seen in its origins and the central symbol of Inari, the fox. Given how prominent Inari worship is, how the Korean impact on it may have influenced Shinto beliefs in general is also worth examining. Continue reading PAPER: Through the Eyes of the Fox →

History, Literature, Papers, Religion, Writings

PAPER: Heart of the Sword

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Written in April 2009 Wrote this based on my research on Zen Buddhism and my love for samurai.

Heart of the Sword: The Relationship Between the Samurai and Zen Buddhism

Surrounded on all sides by an emerald green bamboo grove, a figure stands silently in the center. His eyes are closed, his body poised. Leaves break free from the bamboo trees and drift down. Hearing them flutter, his eyes snap open and he draws his katana. In a flash of light, the leaves are sliced cleanly in two. One would think he is a peerless warrior; they would never guess how hard his heart pounds when he has to charge into battle on horseback. And so he is headed to where he can learn the necessary skills to turn his soul into steel as sharp his blade: a monastery. Zen Buddhism has been often referred to as the “religion” of the samurai, but upon examination it becomes apparent that the samurai’s interest in Zen comes purely from a warrior’s perspective. Despite this, the bond between them is so significant that both Zen and the samurai have been mutually influenced by their interaction, although in slightly different ways. And even centuries after the samurai’s practical need for Zen has waned, Zen is still heavily associated with the samurai and Japanese culture today. Continue reading PAPER: Heart of the Sword →